“GA-ASI Collaborates with EDGE to Enhance MQ-9B with Advanced Smart Weaponry”

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a premier innovator and producer of dependable Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radar technology, electro-optical equipment, and associated mission systems, alongside EDGE, a top-tier advanced technology consortium for defense and beyond, unveiled a partnership today aimed at incorporating EDGE’s advanced munitions onto GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian® RPA.

As part of the collaboration revealed at the Dubai Airshow, the two organizations will collaboratively work to incorporate precision-guided munitions (PGM) and guided-glide weapon (GGW) technologies from EDGE onto GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with EDGE on this project,” expressed GA-ASI President, David R. Alexander. “Integrating domestic capabilities onto our clients’ platforms is something we have extensive experience in, but this marks our first effort in integrating a non-NATO weapon system onto our RPA platforms.”

This alliance signifies the inaugural integration of UAE-manufactured advanced munitions onto a US unmanned aerial system, heralding a fresh phase in US-UAE defense collaboration, and paving the way for enhanced cooperation.

Hamad Al Marar, President of EDGE Group’s Missiles & Weapons division, stated, “We are delighted to partner with General Atomics Aeronautical. The chance to integrate our advanced munitions on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian will provide the end user with various versatile, highly precise, and economical ground strike alternatives. We anticipate a close working relationship with General Atomics Aeronautical on this initiative and look forward to future collaboration.”

The EDGE advanced munitions designated for integration comprise the DESERT STING series of GGWs and the THUNDER collection of budget-friendly PGMs from HALCON, along with the AL TARIQ series of modular, mission-tested, all-weather day/night long-range PGMs.

GA-ASI is optimistic that its partnership with EDGE will pave the way for further alliances within the UAE defense sector to integrate locally-developed sensors and munitions onto the MQ-9B for the UAE and additional clients.

The UAE Armed Forces are currently operating GA-ASI’s Predator XP and are collaborating with GA-ASI and the US Department of Defense to procure the MQ-9B.

Visitors at the Dubai Airshow can find GA-ASI at stand 1380 and EDGE, along with its array of companies, at indoor stand 520 and outdoor stand S49 at Dubai World Central.